How to Redo an Old Armoire

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Armoires were the most common choice for holding clothing and linens until built-in closets became standard during the home-building boom that followed World War II. Nowadays, armoires are used for anything from televisions and other entertainment equipment to toys and craft items as often as they are used for clothing. Refinishing an old armoire can return it to its former glory, or give it a sleek, modern makeover to complement even the most trendy decor.

Cleaning

Thoroughly clean your armoire before starting its makeover. This is just as necessary for a lovingly tended armoire as it is for a flea-market or yard-sale find, because even a little bit of dust and oils from fingerprints can interfere with the refinishing process. Dust the armoire first, inside and out. If possible, check underneath for dust bunnies or bugs. Remove all of the drawers so you can clean them thoroughly. Dilute one or two squirts of a gentle degreasing cleanser such as liquid dish soap in a quart of water. Soak a clean, lint-free cloth in the soapy water and wring the cloth out so it is just damp. Wipe down the armoire, paying special attention to the areas around handles and drawer pulls that are touched most often. Let the armoire completely dry.

Stripping

The fumes created by the harsh chemical strippers of the past often made it impossible to strip a large piece of furniture such as an armoire if you did not have access to the outdoors. Thanks to far gentler formulas, you can strip your armoire indoors with far less worry about toxic vapors. You still need to ventilate your work area and wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles, because while the fumes and caustic effects of natural strippers are more gentle, they still release fumes and are caustic. There are three basic types of natural strippers: citrus, dibasic esters and soy. Citrus strippers are made from the natural terpenes found in oranges. They come in a gel form, and remove either oil-based or latex paint from metal and stone as well as wood. Dibasic ester strippers include some type of alcohol, although the formula is gentle. Dibasic ester strippers come in a semi-paste and a liquid form. Soy-based strippers generally are lemon scented and gentle enough to be used on fiberglass. All strippers require different application procedures and timing, so read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Remove or tape over all hardware before stripping your armoire.

Repairing

Once the armoire is stripped of its old finish, examine it closely for cracks, missing pieces or other flaws that can be repaired. Sand the entire surface of the armoire with 220-grit sandpaper. Fill any cracks by applying wood filler with a craft stick, leveling it with the surface of the armoire. Make sure the filler you use takes stain or paint, or make sure you have primer on hand. Tighten any loose screws or bolts and replace missing ones. Check to make sure drawers are solidly connected where the sides, front, back and bottom meet. Apply wood glu,e or bolster them with staples, small wood screws or nails. Decide how the armoire is going to be used, and make adjustments. For example, a clothing armoire that will be used as an entertainment center may need extra shelves. An entertainment armoire that will be used as a desk might need the TV support stand removed. Clothing bars for hangers may need to be added or removed. Sand over any repairs, then wipe the armoire down with a tack cloth to ensure all of the sanding dust has been removed.

Finishing

Painting or staining are two of the most common ways to refinish an armoire, but you can cover it – or parts of it – with self-adhesive paper, cloth secured with spray adhesive, staples or nailhead tacks, or even self-adhesive metal sheets. Work in a well-ventilated area if you are staining or painting. Apply stain with a staining sponge to avoid brush marks. Let the stain sit for a few seconds, then wipe it off with a lint-free cloth. Be sure to feather the edges so you don’t get thick lines where the applications meet. Paint with a roller or use spray paint compatible with wood. Lightly sand the armoire with 220-grit sandpaper, and wipe it down between coats to give it a sleek and glossy finish. If you are applying self-adhesive paper or metal sheets, keep a sharp utility knife and straightedge handy to keep the edges sharp. Coat the new finish with a thin layer of spray polyurethane to protect it.

About the Author

Emmy-award nominated screenwriter Brynne Chandler is a single mother of three who divides her time between professional research and varied cooking, fitness and home & gardening enterprises. A running enthusiast who regularly participates in San Francisco's Bay to Breakers run, Chandler works as an independent caterer, preparing healthy, nutritious meals for Phoenix area residents.